Natuurcentrum Ameland
Nature centre in Nes on Ameland with a North Sea aquarium, landscape hall, viewing platform with lift and barefoot path.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Natuurcentrum Ameland was founded in 1972 and has been located in Nes since 1989. In 2009 it moved into a new building with a viewing tower. Today it belongs to the Stichting Amelander Musea foundation, which runs several museums, mills and the lighthouse on the island.
In several themed rooms, the centre explains the island's nature, from the time around 40,000 years ago to the possible consequences of climate change. In the landscape hall, interactive and playful stations invite visitors to explore. The Wassertheater (water theatre) shows life under water with the North Sea aquarium and other tanks; one exhibition deals, among other things, with stranded sperm whales as well as seals and harbour porpoises. A lift takes visitors up to the viewing platform.
The nature centre also includes a barefoot path (Blotevoetenpad), an adventure trail with different surfaces. The centre also has a water and energy laboratory and nature hours with nature guides during the holidays.
Highlights
- North Sea aquarium in the Wassertheater
- Landscape hall with interactive stations on Ameland's nature
- Viewing platform with lift
- Barefoot path (Blotevoetenpad) next to the building
- Water and energy laboratory
Permanent exhibitions
- Landschaftshalle – Interactive journey through the island's nature from prehistoric times to possible consequences of climate change.
- Wassertheater mit Nordsee-Aquarium – Aquariums with North Sea marine life and information on seals, harbour porpoises and whales.
- Blotevoetenpad – An adventure trail to walk barefoot over different surfaces, individually or together with a museum visit.
- Founded
- 1972
- Operated by
- Stichting Amelander Musea
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €11 |
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| Children & teens | €8.50free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 12 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €9.50 per personFrom 15 people; children aged 5 to 12 €7.50 |
| Blotevoetenpad (barefoot path) individually | €4per person |
| Surcharge for Blotevoetenpad with admission to the Natuurcentrum | €2per person |
Free admission with the Museumkaart after scanning the card. Tickets are available directly at the museum ticket desk.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair-friendly, except for the Blotevoetenpad. Lift to the viewing platform. Dogs are not allowed in the Natuurcentrum or on the barefoot path.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
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- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Interactive and playful stations, water and energy laboratory, fish feeding, barefoot path and children's birthday parties.
Getting there & parking
Visitor address: Strandweg 38 in Nes on Ameland. The island can only be reached by ferry.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop available.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Meeting room, internship room or aquarium hall can be rented for groups; enquire by email for a quote.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The fish are fed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; until 31 October, aquarium staff give explanations on Wednesdays and Fridays without registration. During the autumn holidays 2026, the "Natuur uur" with nature guides takes place again. |
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